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Claret and blue suits you: But it's Villa and not West Ham who are front-runners to sign Shaun Wright-Phillips

Aston Villa expect to hear within the next 48 hours whether Shaun Wright-Phillips will become Martin O'Neill's first high-profile capture since the transfer window opened.

The Irishman has held talks with the England international aimed at ending his stay at Stamford Bridge and should know before this weekend's trip to Manchester United whether or not he has agreed to quit Chelsea for Villa Park in a deal rated at £8m.

Villa face competition for the midfielder's signature from West Ham but with the Hammers deep in relegation trouble, O'Neill is leading the race to sign the £21m misfit.

O'Neill has already snapped up Phil Bardsley on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season but Wright-Phillips' capture would send a clear signal that new owner Randy Lerner means business.

Villa's boss said he hopes to make other in-roads in the market, adding: "We have a number of irons in the fire at the moment. Whether or not they come to fruition remains to be seen. I think the fans will want to see the people when they have arrived, not hear me talking about them.

Middlesbrough have already had a £1.5m bid for the 27-year-old Hungarian international rejected by Albion.

Milan Baros's future remains unclear. O'Neill is keen to off-load the Czech and Spanish side Levante, currently languishing in 16th position in La Liga, are the latest to show an interest in taking the forward off Villa's hands, albeit until the end of the season.

Pearce in striker search

Manchester City will be forced to step up their search for a striker after veteran Paul Dickov broke a bone in his foot.

The 34-year-old will have an operation this week but is expected to be out for six weeks leaving manager Stuart Pearce short of cover.

Meanwhile, Ben Thatcher is interesting Charlton as is his team-mate and Hull target Danny Mills.

Colchester determined to keep Halford

Wigan, Middlesbrough, Reading and Sunderland are leading the chase for Colchester midfielder Greg Halford.

But high-flying Championship side Colchester are prepared to make the 22-year-old their best paid player to convince him to stay and help their promotion push.

Charlton and West Ham are other clubs maintaining an interest in Halford who can also play in defence.

Heinze would add variety, say Juventus

Juventus coach Didier Deschamps has offered Gabriel Heinze the chance to move to Italy if the 28-year-old tires of being second choice to Patrice Evra.

Juventus, who are resigned to missing out to Liverpool on West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano, want to bolster their squad ahead of their planned return to Serie A and Deschamps said: "United have several left-backs, so if they put Heinze up for sale, and we have the possibility to buy him, I don't see any reason why we can't do just that."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is a big fan of Heinze but has been reluctant to upset the balance of the side following Evra's performances.

If Juventus made a substantial offer that could test United's desire to hold on to the uncompromising defender.

Deschamps added: "He's an outstanding player, a leader and a winner, and on top of that he owns an EU passport which makes him even more attractive. He plays left-back at Manchester United, but I don't think it's the position where he can make the most of his abilities. He is better as a central defender."

United striker Alan Smith has turned down offers from all but five of the clubs in the Premiership to go out on loan. His agent indicated last night that he wished to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

Helsingborgs have invited United to talk about a permanent deal for Henrik Larsson as they are struggling financially.

Although a decision on Larsson's future does not have to be taken until his loan is to expire in early March, Helsingborgs chairman Sten-Inge Fredin believes the £1m the club could expect to rake in from a permanent arrangement would be of great benefit.

Price has to climb to buy Vine

Luton manager Mike Newell has warned suitors for Rowan Vine that he will only be sold for the right price.

Newell sold Carlos Edwards to Sunderland last week and is facing more inquiries for Vine and midfielder Leon Barnett.

Birmingham have made an improved £2m bid for Vine, 24, and face competition from West Brom, Sunderland and Cardiff.

But Newell said: "I don't want to sell. We have picked players up at good prices and improved them, but we will not be a feeder club to our rivals. If players are to leave, it will only be for the right price. We have our own ambitions and first we want to ensure we stay in the division.

"We've got a small squad as it is so we have to be careful about what we do."

Liverpool look to Pad' squad

Liverpool are close to a £1.85million deal for 20-year-old Argentina midfielder Sebastian Leto, according to his club Lanus.

Italy under-21 goalkeeper Daniele Padelli is another Reds' target, according to the player's agent.

The Sampdoria player has made just one league appearance since joining Serie B club Crotone on loan in the summer.

Silvano Martina said: "Liverpool are interested in Padelli. He is a promising goalkeeper. If he were to join Liverpool in the winter transfer market, it would be on a permanent basis.

"There are still some issues to discuss with Crotone but it could all be decided later today."

Hamilton manager Billy Reid has confirmed Liverpool have made an offer for 16-year-old Jamie McCarthy.

Sportsmail revealed that the young attacking midfielder has attracted attention from several clubs since making his first-team debut against Queen of the South in September.

He has just started a trial with Reading, and Reid said: "Liverpool have made an offer for Jamie but he has not refused or accepted as yet."

Liverpool are also closing in on young Argentinian midfielder Sebastian Eduardo Leto, according to the vice-president of his club Lanus.

Ruben Ferreti claims the 20-year-old Leto has attracted bids from River Plate and an unnamed Spanish club, but Liverpool are understood to be the only bidders willing to meet Lanus' £1.85 million asking price.

"There is interest from Liverpool, but nothing is concrete yet," Ferreti said on www.ole.com.ar.

"We still have to go on discussing it."

However, Ferreti added that he was optimistic a deal could be done.

"I have a good feeling about it," he said. "If a transfer is done, it will be done this week."

Leto has played 34 matches for Lanus since breaking into the first team, scoring six goals.

Spurs keep Colo' fires burning

Martin Jol is continuing his pursuit of a world class defender by moving in for the Deportivo La Coruna central defender Fabricio Coloccini.

The Argentine World Cup defender is valued at around £4million by his Spanish club and Spurs have the cash to improve on their squad as they aim to break into the top six.

Curly-haired Coloccini would need only to ask his fellow coutrymen Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa for their opinion on whether White Hart Lane is a place for his career to thrive.